Yik Yak, an anonymous microblogging application, has recently grown in popularity. While it’s similar to Twitter in the way that users can post multiple, character limited posts, Yik Yak’s success seems to lie in the fact it requires no kind of log-in information or profile. In addition to the anonymity, users can “upvote” or “downvote” a post — the more upvotes, the more likely it is to be seen and vice versa.

Popular with college users, the application lets you see “Yaks” posted within a certain radius of your location.

Recently, Miami University students have been using the application to start debates about which Greek-lettered organization is better — and to solicit sexual commentary.

But recently, the app is being used to target certain demographics around campus.

Many comments have focused on the university’s Cultural Center, which doubles as The Office of Diversity Affairs and “offers direct support to diverse populations, social justice through diversity education and multicultural programming and campus resources on issues of diversity.”

Most institutions across the country have similar offices that provide faculty and staff support to the diverse populations on campus. The ultimate mission of these types of programs is to create a space of of inclusion, dialogue, and understanding across the varying intersects of demographics.

But many on Yik Yak think the space is a waste of space and money, with one Yakker saying:

“It’s the anti-white room. Been in there once and everyone stared me out of the room. Such a waste for the 6% that go here.”

And by 6%, they’re referring to the estimate of 8% of students at Miami’s campus who fall under the “minority” category.

Though its true a large percentage of the campus population doesn’t identify as diverse, the Cultural Center tries to create a space of safety and inclusion for not only culturally diverse students, but also for the demographically diverse as well.

Aside from the misguided Yak about the purpose of The Cultural Center, other Yaks have poked fun at many other minority communities on campus. For example:

Brooks Buffington, the co-founder of Yik Yak, said in an interview with CNN that the app was made for college users to post things, acting as “a virtual bulletin board.” He added that “with anonymity comes a lot of responsibility, and college students have the maturity that it takes to handle those responsibilities.”

Clearly, Buffington’s faith has been misplaced. The space he thought created for sharing information has, at least with Miami users, turned into a space for sexual innuendos, Greek life debates and cultural degradation.

And this isn’t the first time Miami students have taken to social media to be anonymously culturally insensitive.

A little over a year ago, an anonymous Twitter account created by a university student was used to poke fun and make racial slurs toward the Asian community on campus. Eventually the curator of the account was discovered and reprimand followed.

Though with this totally anonymous site that requires no registration to utilize — simply download and Yak away — how can those who make such remarks be enlightened on the error and ignorance of their ways?

Samantha Callender is pursuing a degree in journalism from Miami University, loves empowering young adults and working with issues relating to multiculturalism and diversity. She believes in giving a voice to the voiceless; cliché, but necessary. Loves social commentary and is open to dialogue. Open to networking and engaging with others to enhance professional and personal aspirations | samantha.m.callendeR@gmail.com

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